Job Shadowing

What is Job Shadowing

Job Shadowing fosters the opportunity for you to explore interesting careers, learn specifically about a certain career or job, link textbook information to the world of work and create a better understanding of the work environment and types of skills needed for specific occupations. You will be exposed to a specific occupation for a designated period of time at a selected work site observing an individual performing workplace tasks.

Shadows typically last from a few hours to a full day. You have the opportunity to observe a professional in your occupation of interest performing day-to-day tasks; this gives you an inside look at what an average day on the job is like. You also have an opportunity to ask questions about the skills, education, and experience necessary to be successful in that particular occupation.

Job shadowing are valuable tools to help you confirm your career choice. For some, informational interviewing has helped them discover that their dream job is not exactly all they imagined; for others, it increases confidence in their career choice. Either way, it proves a beneficial tool. Additionally, informational interviewing will give you an inside look at an organization or company you may want to work for in the future and will help you expand your network of professional contacts.

Why should I Job Shadow?

• Job Shadowing will assist you with career exploration.
• It will help you make better informed decisions regarding your choice of major and/or future occupation.
• You will be able to determine whether you would be interested in doing an internship or co-op in that field.
• You may learn about specific skills and experiences you should gain prior to graduation in order to be more marketable for employment.
• You best utilize your time with experiences and classes towards a future you have explored and verified you will enjoy.

When is Job Shadowing Successful?

Successful Shadowing relies heavily on a strong mentoring relationship where an experienced worker shares information with a student who is receptive to learning. The learning experience works best when the student:

• Does research on the organization prior to the experience.
• Has an interest in the field or occupation being shadowed.
• Keeps an open mind and is curious about different careers, work environments and industries.
• Asks intelligent and engaging questions.

How Do I Get Started?

Visit Career Services in CUE 217 to discuss the benefits of job shadowing and how to get started during walk in hours. There is an informational packet with additional information on how to develop a job shadowing opportunity for yourself and make it a valuable learning experience available in the Career Resource Library.